Hepatitis B Core Antibody (Anti-HBc, Total)
Hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc, total) is an antibody your body makes against the inner core of the hepatitis B virus. This blood test detects both the early (IgM) and long-lasting (IgG) forms combined.
Anti-HBc appears when you have been infected with hepatitis B at some point and, unlike vaccine-induced antibodies, it does not appear from vaccination. This makes it useful for telling the difference between immunity from a past infection and immunity from a vaccine. Because it can remain positive for life, it is a marker of past or present exposure rather than of current infection alone.
A positive (reactive) result means you have been exposed to the hepatitis B virus at some time, either in the past or currently. On its own it cannot tell whether the infection is active, resolved, or in an unusual pattern; it must be interpreted together with HBsAg and anti-HBs. Your clinician uses the full set of markers, and sometimes additional testing, to understand what your result means.
A negative (non-reactive) result means no core antibodies were detected, suggesting you have not been infected with hepatitis B. If you also have a positive surface antibody, this pattern is consistent with immunity from vaccination rather than from past infection.
The expected result in someone who has never been infected is negative (non-reactive). Anti-HBc is most meaningful when read alongside HBsAg and anti-HBs, so your clinician will interpret the three markers together to build the full picture.
Sources
- Hepatitis B Blood Tests: MedlinePlus Medical Test
- Hepatitis B Questions and Answers for Health Professionals: CDC
Educational context only, not medical advice or a diagnosis. Reference ranges vary by lab, age and sex; always discuss your results with a clinician.